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New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network

 

Behavioral VA Health Care

Women Veterans Residential Program – A Place of Healing for Women Veterans

  Batavia VAMC
 
Questions about the Women’s Residential Program can be directed to the program assistant at (585) 297-1200
VA Western New York Healthcare System at Batavia
222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020
(877) 705-5860

Trauma
Some women have experiences that hurt them and continue to bother them for some time. If these experiences are particularly painful and traumatic, the woman might experience such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and/or substance use. However, recovery is possible. Trauma specialists, as well as support from other women with similar experiences can make a tremendous difference in healing.

The Program
The Women’s Residential Program (WRP) provides state-of-the art treatment for women veterans who have experienced military-sexual and/or combat trauma. The all-female in-house treatment team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and social services assistants. The team works closely with other VA clinicians and makes referrals to Vet Centers, veterans’ organizations, and other federal, state, and local agencies to ensure that the needs of the female veteran are met. The program is a drug and alcohol-free environment.

Location
The WRP is located in a six bed, residential-style house on the grounds of the Batavia VA. Staff and residents have the entire house to themselves, providing a warm and quiet atmosphere. Meals are provided and the house also has a full kitchen for the residents’ use. The beautiful and spacious grounds contribute to a renewed sense of personal safety and security. The veteran and her family are treated with respect and understanding. This type of support helps the veteran share how trauma has affected her and her family.

Treatment Options
Veterans in the WRP receive a complete clinical assessment of their trauma. Treatment is tailored to each person’s needs. This treatment might include: individual psychotherapy, family and group therapies, skills building, recreation, and medication management. There are also classes in relaxation, assertiveness, anger management, family and relationship issues, parenting, and the effects of trauma on the body.

Staff guides veterans in treatment to use other VA services that may help in their treatment, such as: vocational rehabilitation, substance abuse, weight management, smoking cessation, pain management, and medical primary care.

The WRP offers both residential and outpatient care. The veteran and her health care team work together to find the most appropriate level of care.

Residential Program
The residential program provides treatment for women who need to understand their trauma, stabilize their symptoms, develop skills for day-to-day life and relationships, and/or work through trauma-related memories and thoughts. Depending on the needs and goals of the veteran, the program can range from five days up to 70 days. There are structured daily activities, individual therapy, and group therapy.

Outpatient
The WRP also has an outpatient program that offers individual and group therapy sessions. Treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the veteran in areas such as: education, psychotherapy, medication management, and/or individual therapy.

What to Expect
The WRP helps women veterans develop the skills they need to re-build and maintain a healthy life. Through education and group therapy, the women learn how trauma has impacted their lives. In group therapy, women share their feelings and receive honest, supportive feedback. They provide the same feedback to the other members of the group.

The small, safe, and warm environment helps the women feel more comfortable in a group setting. Skill building activities help them learn to share life experiences and manage stress without going back to unhealthy behaviors, such as over/under eating, alcohol or other drug use. The women work closely with their treatment coordinator to design a program that will help them continue to progress after they leave.

The program cannot fix all of the problems a veteran may have. However, it provides ways to deal with these problems, and helps veterans move forward in recovery.

Things to Know
  • You should bring all of your medication with you. Medication management is supervised by staff; however, you are responsible for taking it yourself. Clinicians may recommend medication evaluation and/or adjustments when needed.
  • We recommend bringing casual clothing. There are free laundry facilities in the building and linens, towels, and washcloths are provided.
  • Three daily meals are provided. You are responsible for your own snacks, treats, or sodas.
  • You should also bring your own toiletries, stationery, envelopes, stamps, phone cards, and cigarettes. Bedside phones are provided for local calls. A lock and key are also provided to secure valuables. VA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • The facility is handicapped accessible.
Travel
Reimbursement for travel is based on VA regulations and rates.
However, it may be less than incurred expenses. Parking is available on VA grounds at no charge.